When you hear the name “Man of Steel” or “The Last Son of Krypton” or see the ‘S’ symbol, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how many actors have played Superman? Over the decades, we’ve seen the iconic red cape soar high across big screens and our living rooms. And honestly, none of the actors failed to portray this iconic role, nor did they fail to impress their fans. In this blog, we’ll dive into the legacy of Superman actors, tracing their journeys from the very first portrayal to the highly anticipated version.
-
Kirk Alyn
Kirk Alyn, the first actor to portray Superman in live-action, starred in the 1948 serial "Superman" and its 1950 sequel, "Atom Man vs. Superman." Starting as a Broadway chorus boy and vaudeville entertainer, he appeared in low-budget films before his groundbreaking role as Superman, which set the stage for future portrayals of the iconic hero.
-
George Reeves
In 1951, George Reeves brought the legendary DC Comics hero to life in the first feature film, “Superman and the Mole Man.” Following its success, Reeves transitioned the iconic character to television with “The Adventures of Superman”, which aired from 1952 to 1958. Starring alongside Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane, the series started in black and white but introduced Superman’s iconic costume in color after two seasons.
-
Christopher Reeve
With “Superman” in 1978, Christopher Reeve became the defining Superman actor for a generation. He balanced Clark Kent’s charm with Superman’s strength. He starred in a series of four films from Superman (I) to Superman (IV), and delivered iconic lines like “I’m here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way,” which fans still love today.
-
Dean Cain
Dean Cain became an iconic Superman in the 1990s ABC series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," joining the ranks of legendary Superman movie actors. Captivating audiences for 4 unforgettable seasons and 88 episodes from 1993 to 1997, the show was a cultural phenomenon of its time.
-
Tom Welling
Tom Welling brought a whole new vibe to Superman in "Smallville" (2001–2011), diving into Clark Kent's early years. Instead of the usual superhero take, Welling’s Clark stayed out of the iconic suit until the series finale, giving fans a fresh, origin-focused spin on the legendary hero.
-
Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh starred as Superman in the 2006 film “Superman Returns,” where he earned praise for his portrayal, but the movie underperformed at the box office. He later reprised his role as Superman in crossover episodes of The CW's “The Flash,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” and “Batwoman.”
-
George Newbern
George Newbern has been the voice of Superman in "Justice League" and many animated movies since 2008. His powerful yet heartfelt performance has shaped how many fans perceive the character, solidifying his legacy among actors who played Superman. One of his most iconic lines from the series truly captures that spirit: “I’m not just a man. I’m a symbol of what we can be.”
-
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill, the first non-American Superman actor, brought a modern twist to Clark Kent’s charm between 2013 and 2023. His intense performance in “Man of Steel” (2013), “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), “Justice League” (2017), and “Zack Snyder's Justice League” (2021) captured the emotional toll of heroism, struggle, sacrifice, death, and resurrection. He also said farewell to the role with a last cameo in Black Adam (2022).
-
Tyler Hoechlin
By the time "Superman & Lois" debuted in 2021, Tyler Hoechlin was no stranger to playing the Man of Steel. He had previously portrayed Superman in several CW series, including "Supergirl," "The Flash," and "Arrow." However, despite sharing a network, those earlier appearances took place within a different continuity than the standalone world established in "Superman & Lois".
-
David Corenswet
David Corenswet, the new Superman actor, is set to debut in Superman: Legacy (2025), marking a fresh chapter for the iconic hero. With his casting, he brings new energy, a revitalized story, and a return to the character’s hopeful roots. Fans are excited to see how he honors the legacy of actors who played Superman before him, while making the role his own.
In the end, what truly sets these Superman actors apart is their ability to soar beyond expectations while staying true to their character. Every portrayal adds something meaningful and unique to the Man of Steel’s legacy, shaping our perception of the hero over time. And as the legacy grows, one thing stays clear — Superman continues to reflect the values we admire most: strength, hope, and resilience.